Are Robotic Lawn Mowers Theft Proof? What You Need To Know
No, lawn mower robots are not theft-proof, but they do have multiple anti-theft protections. According to Verisk's National Theft Trends in 2022, lawn mowers are the second most commonly stolen equipment in the USA. So, if you've recently invested in a remote control or robotic mower, you may be wondering, “Are lawn mower robots theft-proof?” Mowrator has years of experience working with remote control and robotic lawn mower technology to answer those questions.
Let's dive right in to help you understand your lawn mower's various protections and what you should do if your lawn mower is stolen.
Key Takeaways
- Alarm systems emit loud alerts when the mower is lifted or tampered with, deterring theft and notifying owners of unauthorized use.
- GPS tracking and boundary alerts let owners monitor the mower’s real-time location and receive notifications if it leaves its designated area.
- Unique ID registration and blacklisting prevent unauthorized repairs or the operation of stolen mowers, reinforcing security and recovery.
What Anti-Theft Protections does a Robotic Lawn Mower Have?
Robotic lawn mowers have several different anti-theft protections to prevent them from being stolen. These include PIN code systems, alarm systems, real-time GPS and tracking, and secure storage and recovery features. You’ll find these protections useful, as lawn mowers and other construction or garden equipment have a remarkably low recovery rate once stolen (7%).
| Robot Lawn Mower Protections | Description |
|---|---|
| PIN Code Systems | A robotic lawn mower's PIN code system requires authentication within 30 to 60 seconds after lifting, stopping, or extended inactivity. Like many phones, the mower is automatically locked if the correct code isn't entered. |
| Alarm Systems | Alarm systems on robotic lawn mowers emit a loud alert whenever the mower is lifted or tampered with without the correct pin or key. Alarms effectively deter thieves and notify users of unauthorized use. |
| GPS & Tracking | Robotic lawn mowers can be monitored via smartphone with GPS tracking and advanced anti-theft features. GPS and tracking provide real-time location data and alerts if lawn mowers move outside their designated boundary. |
| Manufacturer Protections | Manufacturer protections use unique ID registrations to link each mower to its owner and enable blacklisting if stolen, preventing unauthorized repairs or use. |
PIN Code Systems
PIN code systems are a simple yet effective way to discourage thieves from stealing your lawn mower. You must enter the PIN to operate the lawn mower after lifting or stopping it, or if the lawn mower has been off for some time. The mower will lock if your PIN is not entered within 30 to 60 seconds.
Alarm Systems
Alarm systems alert the user and anyone nearby if the lawn mower is handled or used without properly bypassing the protections. For example, if someone lifts your robot mower and doesn’t use the correct PIN or key, your lawn mower will activate an audible alarm that can only be deactivated once the PIN and/or key are inputted. Thieves will generally be dissuaded by the loud noise, potentially preventing your robotic lawn mower from being taken.
GPS & Tracking
If you're still concerned about recovering your robot lawnmowers after they've been stolen, there are theft protection measures that can ease those worries. GPS tracking lets you know the exact location of your robot mower at all times, usually through your smartphone mobile app. These sophisticated anti-theft features will let you know if your robotics are taken outside its specified boundary.
Manufacturer Protections
Manufacturer protections are additional security features that can help prevent and recover if your mowers get stolen. When you receive your device, it's likely that you registered it with a unique ID that links the lawn mower to you. If your lawn mower is stolen, you can have the mower blacklisted so that it cannot be stolen or repaired without becoming flagged.
Are Robot Lawn Mowers Vandalized?
No, robot lawn mowers are rarely vandalized, with accident damage because of drink cans and clothes left on the ground being the most common culprits. Very infrequently, though, will you find your robot lawn mower damaged or vandalized by someone you don't know — an angry neighbor is often a more likely instigator than a random person passing by your home.
If you still fear your robot mower becoming prey to hoodlums or vandals, keep it locked up. You can put off theft by keeping your mower out of the direct line of sight from the road and by moving the charging station to an area where mower theft is less likely to occur. Vandalization rarely occurs when your lawn mower is hidden away, so ensure you have a place to store it.
How to Keep Your Lawn Mower from Being Stolen
To keep your lawn mower from being stolen, choose a model that protects against theft. A range of robotic lawn mowers and remote-controlled lawn mowers give you the peace of mind to leave it alone without worrying. Mowrator's own S1 4WD has several sensors that allow it to avoid people and cannot function without its remote control.
Invest in a lawn mower anti-theft device that can mow like our Beast™! Shop our extensive collection of remote control lawn mowers.
FAQs on Are Lawn Mower Robots Theft Proof?
How do you secure a robot mower?
To secure a robot mower, start by enabling its PIN code protection to ensure it cannot be operated without the correct code. Activate the alarm system, which triggers a loud sound if the mower is lifted or tampered with, and can deter theft by attracting attention to unlawful activity.
Use GPS tracking, and GeoFence features to monitor the mower's location and receive alerts if it moves outside a designated area, increasing the chances of recovery in case of theft. For additional security, store the mower in a locked garage or use physical barriers like fences and surveillance cameras when not in use.
Do robotic lawn mowers get stolen?
No, robotic lawnmowers are rarely stolen due to their advanced security features, which make them unattractive to thieves. In contrast, traditional lawn mowers, especially riding mowers, are more frequently targeted. In 2016, 41% of the 11,500 reported thefts of outdoor power equipment involved riding mowers.
Theft rates for robotic mowers also vary depending on location and season. In fact, states like Texas and Florida report higher rates of equipment theft in general, particularly during summer when outdoor activities peak.
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